OC

TOBER 2015

TALKING ABOUT THE PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO A SOLUTIONBy: Senator Jim Tracy

The old saw that says talking about

the problem won’t fix it is right in a lot of cases, but it’s dead wrong when it comes to solving our

transportation infrastructure funding issue.

Those of us who deal with the details about our roads, highways and bridges understand the financial stress our state has been under for the past several years, including our civil engineers, road builders, city and county mayors, economic development officials, mass transit programmers, truckers, shippers and yes, even the General Assembly.

Tennessee has profited by having some of the best roads in the nation. We’ve been able to quickly take advantage of the end of the recession by bringing new industry and jobs to many areas of our state. A strong transportation infrastructure has been part of our attraction to those industries, but time and events are catching up to us.

Cars and trucks get better mileage, which means drivers continue to use our roadways just like they did 20 years ago but contribute less to the upkeep of that infrastructure.

Inflation and the rising costs of materials and labor make maintaining existing roads and building new ones more expensive than 20 years ago.

The federal government, which has traditionally made up a little more than half of our state transportation infrastructure funding budget has been

stuck in a ditch for the last several years, unable to find an acceptable funding solution that can pass muster in Congress and the White House, which leads us to where we are today:

• A state that is close to being in maintenance-only mode in terms of transportation infrastructure.

• A state with more than $6 billion in projects that cannot move forward because there are no funds available.

• Cities and counties with countless more projects they cannot fund.

• A transportation funding program that hasn’t been changed or adjusted since 1989.

There are a number of possible solutions to our problem, but the common denominator for all of them involves increased funding - which is where the solution to the problem runs into the buzz saw of public opinion.

As I travel across the state, I hear time and again from people who do not want to pay more at the pump, pay more to register their vehicle, or see the state go into debt financing transportation.

I certainly understand and appreciate their feelings, but I also know that many of these people do not have the same understanding of the severity and seriousness of the problem our state is facing. I believe that, once they understand how much of our future depends upon our ability to move people in and out and through our state safely and efficiently, that many of them will – grudgingly – come to accept that something must be done.

ACEC OF TENNESSEE PARTNERS

These companies provide Tennessee engineering firms with products and services

and support the activities of ACEC of Tennessee through participation in the Partners

Program. Additional information about these Partner Program

participants is available at www.acectn.org

Crow Freidman Group, a Risk Strategies Company

Lellyett & Rogers Services

Jacobs Technology

ACEC Business Insurance Trust

ACEC Life/Health Insurance Trust

AE Guidance, LLC

C*Connect

Crom Corporation

Info Tech, Inc.

Lewis, Thomason, King, Kreig & Waldrop

Ryan Search & Consulting

Sherman Dixie Concrete Industries

Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC

Tennessee Concrete Association

TRTH Consulting

United Structural Systems, Inc.

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Board of DirectorsPresident

John Kenny, PE Facility Systems Consultants, LLC

Knoxville

President-ElectAmy Spann, PE

EnSafe Inc., Nashville

First Vice PresidentCharlie Smith, PE

Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc., Nashville

Second Vice PresidentLogan Meeks, PE

A2H, Inc., Memphis

SecretaryDanl Hall, PE

Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc., Knoxville

TreasurerTim Verner, PE

Fisher & Arnold, Inc., Memphis

Past PresidentThomas “Chuck” Saunders, PE

Energy Land & Infrastructure LLC, Nashville

National Director to ACECSteve Field, PE

Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., Nashville

Director at LargeMickey Sullivan, PE

Gresham, Smith and Partners, Nashville

East Tennessee Chapter PresidentDavid Harrell, PE

Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc., Knoxville

Memphis Chapter PresidentDiane Vesely, PE

Buchart Horn, Inc., Memphis

Nashville Chapter PresidentElizabeth Surface, PE

Ross Bryan Associates, Nashville

Southeast Tennessee Chapter President

Jamie Blanton, PEThompson Engineering, Chattanooga

ACEC STAFFKasey Anderson, CAE

Executive Director

Judy LogueManager of Member Services

November

26 - 27ACEC of TN/TSPE Offices

Closed Thanksgiving Holiday

October

14 - 17ACEC Fall Conference

Boston, MA

November

62015 Engineering

Excellence Awards Entry Deadline

March

8EEA Gala &

Engineers Day on the Hill

TALKING ABOUT THE PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO A SOLUTION (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

December

2 - 4Crow Freidman Seminars

Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis

Consider that the average Tennessean today pays about $160 a year in state fuel taxes to help pay for roads and bridges, and that 91 cents of every dollar collected for transportation infrastructure is used directly for road and bridge projects.

Our roads and bridges are paid for out of a dedicated fund that is made up entirely of revenue from fuel taxes, and registration fees, although that fund was raided several times in the early 2000s.

(Which is why I have introduced legislation to reclaim $261 million from the current general fund surplus to replace those dollars.)

I am spending this fall crossing the state, holding hearings and talking to local officials, citizens and the media about the transportation funding problem facing our state. I believe this may be one of the most significant issues facing our state today, and it certainly has significant implications for our future.

I believe we can get grassroots support for some kind of solution, but it will take a lot of talk, a lot of education and a lot of people working together, particularly our experts who truly understand the dilemma we are facing.

Greg Brubaker, PE, K. S. Ware & Associates, LLC (L), received a citation for his accomplishments as Chair of the Leadership PE Committee from Chuck

Saunders.

Kyle Peters, PE, Wiser Company (L), received a citation for his service as Chair of the 2015 Engineering

Excellence Awards Committee from Chuck Saunders.

John Kenny, PE, Facility Systems Consultants (L), received a citation

for his role as Champion of the ACEC PAC and long-term involvement in

Government Advocacy from Chuck Saunders

CONFERENCE CITATION AND AWARDS

Mickey Sullivan, PE, Gresham, Smith and Partners (L), received a citation

for his service and leadership as Chair of the Executive Director Search

Committee from Chuck Saunders.

Brad Winkler, PE, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff (L), received a citation from Chuck Saunders for his service as Chair of the 2015 Transportation

Committee.

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First Row (L to R) – Diane Vesely, PE, Buchart Horn (Memphis Chapter President); Amy Spann, PE, EnSafe Inc. (President Elect); John Kenny, PE, Facility Systems Consultants (President); Chuck Saunders, PE, Energy, Land and Infrastructure (Past President); Second Row: Mickey Sullivan, PE, Gresham, Smith and Partners (Director at Large); Tim Verner, PE, Fisher & Arnold (Treasurer); David Harrell, PE, Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers (East TN Chapter President); and Jamie Blanton, PE, Thompson Engineering (Southeast TN Chapter President)

Not pictured: Charlie Smith PE, Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. (First Vice President); Logan Meeks, PE, , A2H, Inc. (Second Vice President); Danl Hall, PE, Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc. (Secretary); Steve Field, PE, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (National Director): and Elizabeth Surface, PE, Ross Bryan Associates (Nashville Chapter President);

First Row: Andy Stoebner, PE, Gresham, Smith and Partners; Karina Bynum, PE, TN Dept of Environment and Conservation; Ashley Smith, PE, Stantec Consulting Services; Justin Eckel, PE, Volkert, Inc.; Chad Braun, PE, U S Army Corps of Engineers; Ryan McDaniel, PE, A2H, Inc.; Second Row: Patrick Massey, PE, LDA Engineering; Chris Jenkins, PE, QK4, Inc.; Shane Hester, PE, TN Dept of Transportation; Kyle Peters, PE, Wiser Company; David Morse, PE, WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff; Preston Hall, PE, Facility Systems Consultants; Kyle Horner, EI, Robert G. Campbell & Associates; Jason Blankenship, PE, TN Dept of Transportation; Rick Whitson, PE, TN Dept of Environment and Conservation; and Judy Logue, ACEC of TN & TSPE Not pictured: John Barnett, PE, Nashville Metro Water Services; Jason Conley, PE, I. C. Thomasson Associates; Trevor Cropp, PE, Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc.; Sean DeCoster, PE, Civil-Site Design Group, PLLC; Eric Mayhaus, PE, Brown and Caldwell; Chadwick McMurray, PE, A. Morton Thomas and Associates

2015 - 2016 ACEC OF TENNESSEE BOARD

LEADERSHIP PE 2015 INAUGURAL CLASS

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2015 TN ENGINEERS’ CONFERENCE SPONSORS

ACEC Life Health TrustCDM SmithC. R. Barger & SonsCrom CorporationFacility Systems ConsultantsTN Foundation Services

BRONZE

TITANIUMCrow Friedman Group. a Risk Strategies Company

ACEC Business Insurance TrustAdvanced Drainage & PipeApplied SoftwareBarge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc.Lellyett & Rogers CompanySherman-Dixie Concrete Industries

SILVER

ACEC & TSPE Chattanooga ChaptersARCADISASHE Middle TNBerkel & Company Contractors, Inc.EnSafe Inc.Harrison ConstructionInfo Tech, Inc.Lipscomb UniversityNeel-Schaffer, Inc.WSP|Parsons BrinckerhoffRyan Search & ConsultingSain AssociatesStantec Consulting ServicesTTL, Inc.

AECOMFulghum, MacIndoe & Associates, Inc.L. I. Smith & Associates, Inc.Ragan Smith AssociatesSmith Cashion OrrTennessee 811

CONTRIBUTING

GOLD

THANK YOU TO ALL 2015 TEF LUNCHEON SPONSORSTable Reservations Stantec Consulting Services Inc. Bronze Sponsors A2H, Inc. Fisher & Arnold, Inc. Gresham, Smith and PartnersKimley-Horn & Associates Silver Sponsors AMEC Foster Wheeler EnSafe Inc. Fulghum MacIndoe Consultants Jacobs/Aerospace Testing Alliance K. S. Ware & Associates, LLC Keel Consulting, PLLC Ross Bryan Associates S&ME, Inc./Littlejohn Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries Varallo Public Relations

2015 ExhibitorsACEC Business Insurance TrustACEC Life Health TrustAdvanced Drainage Systems, Inc.AFS Geo-technical & Commercial ServicesApplied Software Consulting ServicesBig R Bridge

C. R. Barger & Sons, Inc.Crom CorporationDwyer CompaniesGeosyntec ConsultantsGeopier Foundation CompanyHayward Baker, Inc.Info Tech, Inc.Integrated Technologies, Inc.Irving Materials, Inc.Jen-Hill Construction Materials

J. C. Hines & Associates, LLCNovaCopyOneWater Inc.Permatile Concrete Products CompanyRedi-RockRembco Geotechnical ContractorSherman-Dixie Concrete Industries

Sherwin-WilliamsTennessee Foundation ServicesTN Concrete AssociationURETEK Holdings, Icn.Wiser CompanyWQM, Inc.XYLEM/YSI

Thank you to all 2015 TN Engineers’ Conference Exhibitors

Tennessee Engineering Foundation UpdateBy Claire Barnett, PE, TEF President

In 2015, the Tennessee Engineering Foundation, with the support of the engineering firms and organizations, was able to fulfill its mission to engage students in activities that advance and promote the engineering profession. Accomplishments include awarding scholarships totaling $18,000 to five students studying engineering at Tennessee universities and continuing sponsorship of MATHCOUNTS for middle school students.

At the recent TEF fundraising luncheon, the Honorable Beth Harwell, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, spoke about legislative accomplishments during her tenure and noted the role engineers have in the success of our State.

She also stressed the importance of getting to know our legislators and becoming a trusted advisor on engineering and technical issues. The TEF board of trustees sends a huge thank you to all who sponsored and attended the luncheon and to those who diligently worked behind the scenes to make it a success.

The TEF looks forward to awarding four scholarships in 2016. Three TEF scholarships, $3,500 each, are open to any rising junior or senior in an accredited engineering school in the state of Tennessee. The $4,000 Dorothy & Arthur Crouch Memorial scholarship is open to any rising junior or senior in an accredited engineering school in the state of Tennessee as well as the child/grandchild of any TSPE member at the accredited school of choice (in or out of Tennessee), if all other requirements are met. The scholarships may be used for tuition, books, room and board, or any other charges related to registration for the fall or spring semester in the year it is awarded.

The deadline for the scholarship applications is January 22, 2016. The 2016-2015 academic year scholarship recipients will be announced in March 2016. The TEF trustees encourage ACEC of TN and TSPE members to spread the word to engineering students about the scholarships. Scholarship applications are available from Judy Logue at jlogue@tnec.org or Claire Barnett at cbarnett@ensafe.com.

The TEF board of directors, which is composed of three appointed representatives each from TSPE and ACEC of TN and three TEF-appointed trustees, plans to continue the programs we have in place and to investigate other STEM initiatives, partnerships, and fundraising opportunities that will allow us to expand our ability to support activities to promote the engineering profession. Suggestions on how we can improve our work to accomplish our mission are welcome at any time. We also encourage all TSPE and ACEC of TN chapters to consider partnering with TEF to establish tax deductible funds for your local scholarship and educational programs.

Middle - L to R – Jon Sparkman, PE, Stantec Consulting Services; Marlin Keel, PE, Keel Consulting Services; Harry Clark, PE, U. S. Air Force; Claire Barnett, PE, EnSafe Inc.; Jim Morinec, PE, AECOM (Retired); Mack McCarley, PE, F NSPE, PDM Engineer-ing; and John Perry, PE, Kimley-Horn and Associates. Trustees Not Pictured Edwin Watkins, PE, AMEC Foster Wheeler and Dale Davis, PE, F NSPE.

Right - L to R - The Honorable Beth Harwell, TN Speaker of the House (Center) delivered the keynote address at the Tennessee Engineering Foundation Luncheon. Pictured: Claire Barnett, PE, EnSafe Inc. & TEF President (L) and Mack McCarley, PE, F NSPE, PDM Engineering.

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By: Kathy GlapaProgram Manager for the Office of Sustainable Practices at TDEC

We are fortunate as Tennesseans to be experiencing economic

prosperity firsthand throughout our three grand divisions. As this

prosperity develops, an intentional effort is needed to ensure that future generations have the natural resources, economic integrity, and public health benefits necessary to keep Tennessee moving forward. Programs in Tennessee like the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards keep this idea alive.

The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards (GESAs) recognize outstanding achievements by individuals, businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agencies for successful environmental projects and conservation measures. Now in its 29th year, the GESAs cover nine categories: Building Green, Clean Air, Energy and Renewable Resources, Environmental Education and Outreach, Environmental Education and Outreach at schools, Land Use, Materials Management, Natural Heritage, and Sustainable Performance.

These awards are designed to encourage greater knowledge and awareness of effective practices and projects, as well as to give proper recognition to those persons and organizations that make significant contributions to the natural resources of their community and the state. These groups practice leadership by example in order to support and move forward the protection and conservation of the natural resources of the State of Tennessee which include wildlife, forests, soils, air, water, and natural and cultural heritage.

On June 23, 2015, Govonor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Bob Martineau recognized the current round of 11 awardees during a formal ceremony at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville.

Building Green: Sevier Park Community Center (Davidson County)

Clean Air: Building a Natural Gas Infrastructure: Memphis Light, Gas and Water (Shelby County)

Environmental Education and Outreach: GreenTrips (Hamilton County)

Environmental Education and Outreach:Schools Trevecca Urban Farm (Davidson County)

Energy and Renewable Resources:McMinnville Leads the Way with LEDs (Warren County)

Land Use: New Alcoa High School (Blount County)

Materials Management: Lawrence County Recycling Program (Lawrence County)

Natural Heritage: Lower North Potato Creek Watershed Project (Polk County)

Sustainable Performance: Enhancing the “Nashville Airports Experience” (Davidson County)

Pursuit of Excellence: LEED Gold certification, Middleton ThyssenKrupp Elevator Manufacturing (Hardeman County)

The Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award was also awarded as part of the event. Recipients must have given at least 25 years of effective and valuable service to the environmental protection or conservation stewardship of Tennessee’s resources. The 2015 recipient was John Charles Wilson, President of Agricenter International. He was nominated by the Memphis-Shelby Office of Sustainability for his 40 years as an advocate for conservation stewardship in Tennessee where, under Wilson’s leadership, Agricenter International became the world’s largest urban agricultural research and education facility.

The GESAs are managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation’s Office of Sustainable Practices. The Office works with public and private organizations to promote sustainability through energy conservation, outreach and education, and stewardship recognition; they work to support TDEC’s mission – to conserve Tennessee’s today for tomorrow.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP GET RECOGNIZED

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OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM and FEES Firms are encouraged to enter multiple projects. Complete a separate official entry form for each project. Each entry form must include signatures for both the firm and the owner. For each entry, the firm, project, and client/owner’s names should be shown as they are to appear on the award. A non-refundable fee of $400 ($800 non-member) must be included with each entry. Make checks payable to ACEC of Tennessee. Firms successfully soliciting a Silver Sponsorship of $1,000 or more from a Contractor will have their entry fee waived or refunded.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project Name (limit to 45 characters)

Judge this entry in the following category (check one):

Project Location: City State

Tennessee Representative’s name in district where entering firm is located_________________________________

Tennessee Representative’s name in district where project is located______________________________________

(Budgeted and/or actual costs may not apply to some entries in Categories A and D)

Substantial Completion Dates: Scheduled Actual

Categories A and D Costs: Budgeted $ Actual $

Construction Costs: Total Project Budget $ Total Project Actual $

Entrant’s Portion of Total Project Budget $ Entrant’s Portion of Total Project Actual $

Project Contractor/s_______________________________________________________________________________________

Check box if project was awarded through QBS process.

ABOUT THE FIRM SUBMITTING THE PROJECT

Entering Firm

Firm Representative

Address (no P.O. Box) City State Zip

Phone ( ) Cell ( ) Fax ( )

E-mail

I hereby authorize submission of this project to the ACEC of Tennessee 2016 Engineering Excellence Awards competition.

Senior Executive/Principal Title

Signature Date

Address (no P.O. Box) City State Zip

Phone ( ) Cell ( ) Fax ( )

E-mail

ABOUT THE CLIENT/OWNER(S) OF THE PROJECT

Client/Owner(s)

I believe the work of the engineer meets the intended uses and expectations for the project and hereby grant permission to enter this project in the ACEC of Tennessee 2016 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, and authorize publication of its outstanding features, unique aspects, or innovations. I confirm that the project was substantially complete (or disclosed) between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015.

Client/Owner Representative

Title Signature Date / / 2014

Address (no P.O. Box) City State Zip

Phone ( ) Cell ( ) Fax ( )

E-mail

A. Studies, Research, and Consulting G. Water Resources

B. Building/Technology Systems H. Transportation

C. Structural Systems I. Special Projects

D. Surveying and Mapping Technology J. Small Projects

E. Environmental K. Energy

F. Waste and Storm Water L. Industrial and Manufacturing Processes, Facilities

Submit entry form and fee by November 6, 2015 to: ACEC of Tennessee Judy Logue 800 Fort Negley Blvd Nashville TN 37203 615-242-2486 jlogue@tnec.org Make checks payable to ACEC of Tennessee

2016 EEA Awards

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F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N TLESS ISN’T MORE FOR THE CITIZENS OF TENNESSEE

By: John Kenny, PEPresident of ACEC of Tennessee

Recently, I assisted a family member who had been struggling with a unique bone

injury. Through inquiries to professionals in the field, we found a surgeon in a neighboring state that had authored many papers on treatment of this injury including surgical and non-surgical options. During consultation, he described the details of the injury and provided various examples of former patients

with similar conditions, treatment and successes/failures. Through our evaluation he seemed uniquely qualified and we elected to put him in responsible charge of the matter. At that point, we then discussed costs including how we might be able to reduce our travel without impacting the quality of care. The experience was truly a QBS (Qualifications Based Selection) process.

Professionals do not sell a commodity, but rather their knowledge. The likelihood of success for a project is directly related to the knowledge of the professional. The State of Tennessee should be commended for adopting the QBS process (T.C.A § 12-4-106(a)(2)) for public projects.

The QBS Process, supported by ACEC as well as American Public Works Association (APWA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), American Bar Association (ABA), and American Institute of Architects (AIA), also includes a negotiated scope of work and corresponding fee. This is the part of the process where the State of Tennessee is lacking. Not all projects are created equal. Projects vary by level of effort and technical expertise required not just based on construction cost.

Some may say as a steward of taxpayer dollars, the government has a responsibility to get the most for the least amount of money.

A system that seeks ”least amount of money” for design is bound to produce lower quality projects. The approach to a project must change when fee becomes a major factor. A design firm may need to utilize a means which may reduce quality of service such as:

• Evaluating fewer alternatives

• Using less experienced personnel

• Developing less detail for construction documents, thus creating higher contractor contingencies

• Selecting easier systems to design as opposed to those with best life cycle

• Reducing quality assurance efforts

• Reduction of efforts during construction

In a recent meeting (including many design firm representatives) with one of our State agencies, the State was surprised to hear that firms change their service level and/or project approach in relation to fees. This clearly indicates Tennessee’s view is that the design process is more of a commodity.

Over the life of a project, a designer accounts for less than one half of one percent (< 0.5%) of project costs, yet play a very profound role in the remainder of those costs.

Today, design firms are substantially paid less on State of Tennessee projects than for projects for surrounding state agencies. For Tennessee to compete, it must do a better job of considering the life cycle of its roads and buildings. More willingness to consider the rest of the Qualifications Based Selection process, fair negotiation of scope and fees would be a positive change for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

The Engineering Excellence Awards Are Coming! Entries due November 6The definition of ‘excellence’: the quality of being outstanding; extremely good. Being excellent isn’t easy, but engineers do it every day. Each year ACEC of Tennessee provides 13 opportunities to put the spotlight on your projects at the Engineering Excellence Awards. The competition recognizes engineering firms for work that demonstrates a high degree of achievement, value, and ingenuity. The Grand Iris Award is considered “Best in Show” and is presented to the project judged to be the best overall in competition. Twelve additional awards are handed out in each of the 12 project categories plus each year a People’s Choice award is given which gives everyone at the Awards Gala a chance to vote on their favorite project. The Engineering Excellence Awards provides a chance for firms to receive statewide recognition and the bragging rights that come with a prestigious EEA win. Entries for the Engineering Excellence Awards must be submitted by November 6, 2015.

To enter your project in the 2016 Engineering Excellence Awards, you can fill out the entry form on page 6 or go to the ACEC of TN website’s ( www.acectn.org) “Our Awards” page and enter on the 2016 Awards. If you have additional questions, please contact Judy Logue at 615-242-2486 or jlogue@tnec.org

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The Voice of Tennessee Engineering Companies

Tennessee Engineering Center800 Fort Negley Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37203

Return Service Requested

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAIDNASHVILLE, TN

PERMIT NO. 1078

F R O M T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R

Kasey Anderson, CAEkanderson@tnec.org

“Common sense tells us that it’ll cost a lot less to keep the system we have in good repair than to let it crumble and then have to start all over again. Good tax policy decrees that wherever possible a fee for a service should be assigned against those who directly benefit from that service. Our highways were built largely with such a user fee – the gasoline tax. I think it makes sense to follow

that principle in restoring them to the condition we all want them to be in.” (President Ronald Reagan in his radio address to the Nation on November 27, 1982.)

While our situation isn’t yet as dire as it was 33 years ago, common sense indicates that we are headed in that direction. Transportation infrastructure is the foundation for Tennessee’s economic growth, but our rapidly growing population has put significant demands on our state’s transportation system. TDOT reports $6.2 billion in backlogged projects, many of which would increase capacity and safety in our communities. About half of TDOT’s funding currently comes from the federal government, and because Tennessee is a pay-as-you-go state and carries no transportation debt, a loss of federal funding would be devastating.

At the national level, ACEC helped to secure a significant victory when the Senate passed the DRIVE Act (HR 22), a six-year surface transportation reauthorization bill prior to the summer recess. The legislation includes a transfer to the Highway Trust

Fund sufficient to support the first three years of funding under the bill. ACEC and a large coalition of organizations are waging an aggressive grassroots campaign to urge House members to take quick action on a reauthorization bill. To get more involved in this critical effort, visit http://www.acec.org/advocacy/transportation/.

At the state level, our efforts are equally critical. Today, 44% of TDOT’s funding comes from the state gas tax, which has not changed in 26 years. According to the comptroller, the purchasing power of Tennessee’s 21.4 cent-per-gallon gas tax was equivalent to 11 cents in 1989. In fact, when we consider the fuel efficiency in today’s vehicles, the average driver pays LESS today than they did in 1989. Today, the average Tennessee driver pays only $160 a year…a YEAR…in state gas tax.

ACEC Tennessee is a founding member of the Transportation Coalition of Tennessee, and along with 32 partner organizations is aggressively advocating for dedicated, long-term, sustainable transportation funding at the state level. Together we are working to educate the public and our state legislature about the urgent need to reform Tennessee’s transportation fees. To learn more about our efforts at the state level and to get involved, visit www.TransportationCoalitionTN.org.

The harsh reality is evident…we have a problem. It’s going to take every voice to get it fixed. Talk to your neighbors. Talk to your friends. Congress needs to hear from them. The Tennessee General Assembly needs to hear from them. As Thomas Edison put it, “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are hard work, stick-to-itiveness, and common sense.”

COMMON SENSE

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O C T O B E R2 0 1 5

I N S I D E

• TEF Luncheon

• Environmental Stewardship to be Recognized

• Conference Awards

• 2016 EEA Entry Form